Numbers 8:8

8 Then they are to take a young bull with its grain offering, which is to be fine flour mixed with olive oil; while you take another bull for a sin offering.

Numbers 8:8 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 8:8

Then let them take a young bullock
Of two years old, as the Jewish writers gather from the other in the next clause, being called the second; though the wise men say one of three years old is fit for such a sacrifice; nay, others say, if four or five years old; but the decision is according to the wise men ^F17

with his meat offering, [even] fine flour mingled with oil:
which always went along with a burnt offering, and consisted of three tenth deals of line flour, and half an hin of oil, ( Numbers 28:12 Numbers 28:14 ) ;

and another young bullock shalt thou take for a sin offering;
which was the offering for the sin of the whole congregation of Israel, through ignorance; and this being for all the Levites, and they being instead of the firstborn of Israel, such an offering was required; and though there was no particular sin charged upon them, but it became necessary for their perfect cleansing and expiation.

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FOOTNOTES:

F17 Misn. Parah, c. 1. sect. 2. & Bartenora in ib.

Numbers 8:8 In-Context

6 "Take the L'vi'im from among the people of Isra'el and cleanse them.

7 Here is how you are to cleanse them: sprinkle the purification water on them, have them shave their whole body with a razor, and have them wash their clothes and cleanse themselves.

8 Then they are to take a young bull with its grain offering, which is to be fine flour mixed with olive oil; while you take another bull for a sin offering.

9 You are to present the L'vi'im in front of the tent of meeting, and assemble the entire community of the people of Isra'el.

10 You will present the L'vi'im before ADONAI, the people of Isra'el will lay their hands on the L'vi'im,